From the Guidelines
Amiodarone can lead to an increased risk of skin damage due to photosensitivity, but the direct link to skin cancer is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence. The medication is known to cause drug-induced photosensitivity in over 50% of treated patients, as noted in the study published in Nature Reviews Cardiology 1. This photosensitivity can result in a burning and tingling sensation in sun-exposed skin, along with erythema, and in some cases, a distinctive blue–grey pigmentation on sun-exposed sites after long-term sun exposure.
Key points to consider regarding amiodarone and skin sensitivity include:
- The drug induces photosensitivity due to its presence in the skin and exposure to ultraviolet or visible radiation.
- Patients should be advised to practice sun protection, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
- The risk of photosensitivity and potential skin damage is heightened by factors such as time of day, season, geographical location, altitude, and weather conditions.
While the provided study does not directly address the risk of skin cancer associated with amiodarone use, it emphasizes the importance of sun protection for patients taking this medication due to its photosensitizing effects 1. Therefore, patients on amiodarone should be cautious about sun exposure and take preventive measures to minimize skin damage, although the specific risk of skin cancer would require further investigation beyond the provided evidence.
From the FDA Drug Label
Other treatment-emergent possibly drug-related adverse events reported in less than 2% of patients receiving amiodarone HCl injection in controlled and uncontrolled studies included the following: ... skin cancer ...
- Skin Cancer: The FDA drug label mentions skin cancer as a possible adverse event associated with amiodarone therapy, although it is reported in less than 2% of patients 2.
- The label does not provide further information on the incidence or risk factors for skin cancer in patients taking amiodarone.
- Based on the available information, it can be concluded that amiodarone may lead to an increase in skin cancer, although the exact risk is not specified.
From the Research
Amiodarone and Skin Cancer Risk
- The relationship between amiodarone use and skin cancer risk is complex and has been investigated in several studies 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2009 reported cases of hyperpigmentation in elderly men taking amiodarone, suggesting that skin side effects are common and can occur due to accumulation of the drug and its metabolites in the skin 3.
- However, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2021 found no significant difference in cancer-related deaths between amiodarone users and non-users, and concluded that chronic amiodarone use did not increase cancer-related harms 4.
- In contrast, a nationwide population-based study published in 2013 found that amiodarone use was associated with an increased risk of incident cancer, especially in males, with a dose-dependent effect 5.
- Another study published in 2020 found that low-dose amiodarone reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in a murine tumor model, suggesting potential anti-cancer properties 6.
- It is essential to note that the evidence on amiodarone and skin cancer risk is inconsistent, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two 3, 4, 5.
Key Findings
- Amiodarone use has been associated with skin side effects, including hyperpigmentation and photosensitivity 3.
- The risk of cancer, including skin cancer, may be increased with amiodarone use, especially in males and with high doses 5.
- However, some studies have found no significant increase in cancer-related harms with amiodarone use 4.
- Low-dose amiodarone may have anti-cancer properties, reducing tumor growth and angiogenesis 6.